Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the lumbar epidural spine: a rare condition with distinctive signs requiring specialized intervention

Henry J. Carson; Jonnine Boyd; Frederick L. Witt

doi:10.1099/jmmcr.0.000063

Volume 2, Issue 4

Case Report

Open Access

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the lumbar epidural spine: a rare condition with distinctive signs requiring specialized intervention

Henry J. Carson¹, Jonnine Boyd¹ and Frederick L. Witt¹
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Affiliations: ¹ Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, IA, USA
Correspondence Henry J. Carson [email protected]
Published: 01 August 2015 https://doi.org/10.1099/jmmcr.0.000063

Abstract

Introduction:

Bacterial infection of the vertebral column is uncommon, but when it occurs, the meninges are at high risk.

Case presentation:

A patient presented with acute-onset back pain and signs of inflammation, excluding an elevated white count and bacteraemia. Laminectomy specimens showed infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. No previous source of possible seeding of the bacteria was identified.

Conclusion:

The infection responded to intravenous ceftriaxone. This case informs us to be aware of infection in a case of back pain even without a prior source of infection.

Received: 31/12/2014
Accepted: 06/05/2015
Published Online: 01/08/2015

Keyword(s): acute onset , radicular pain , Streptococcus pneumoniae and vertebral column

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).

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Volume 2, Issue 4

Case Report

Open Access

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the lumbar epidural spine: a rare condition with distinctive signs requiring specialized intervention

Abstract

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